Universal Pictures has set a theatrical release date for its long-awaited Snoop Dogg biopic. The studio confirmed on Tuesday that the film, titled ‘Snoop’, will open in theaters on August 6, 2027.
Release date and competition
The film will hit theaters right in the middle of summer movie season. It is currently scheduled to open alongside two other major releases. Disney’s “The Bluey Movie” and Black Bear’s “Jason Statham Stole My Bike” are set to open around the same time. That puts “Snoop” in direct competition for audience attention during a crowded summer window.
The movie takes the place of Universal’s previously announced Untitled Universal Event Film on the release calendar. Studio release dates can shift over the next year, but Universal appears to see this project as a significant summer tentpole.
Who is playing Snoop Dogg?
“Outer Banks” star Jonathan Daviss has been cast in the lead role. Daviss will play Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Broadus Jr., across different stages of his career. The film will follow him rising to fame as Snoop Dogg in the 1990s. Daviss is best known for playing Pope Heyward on the Netflix teen drama. He also appeared in the Netflix film “Do Revenge.”
Universal has described the project in bold terms. The studio calls it the definitive biopic of the artist, mogul and icon of gangsta rap.
Director and writing credits
Craig Brewer is directing the film. Brewer is known for “Song Sung Blue” and “Hustle & Flow.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Brewer revised the script, which had an initial draft written by Joe Robert Cole.
Snoop Dogg has spoken publicly about Brewer’s involvement. At CinemaCon, the rapper compared the experience to previous music biopics from Universal. He noted that his director had already shown how difficult things are for a pimp in “Hustle & Flow,” and later had audiences singing “Sweet Caroline” through another project.
Producers behind the project
Several major names are attached as producers. Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer, who worked on “8 Mile,” will produce the movie along with Snoop Dogg himself and Death Row Pictures President Sara Ramaker.
The project also carries business significance beyond the story itself. “Snoop” marks the first project under Death Row Pictures’ overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment. Death Row Pictures is Snoop Dogg’s own content label, so the deal gives him a direct stake in future projects with the studio.
Music and content rating
The film will not shy away from Snoop Dogg’s extensive music catalogue. It will incorporate music from the singer’s vast catalogue, including hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Gin and Juice,” “What’s My Name” and “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.”
Snoop Dogg has also confirmed the tone of the movie himself. Speaking at CinemaCon, he said the movie is going to be rated R and joked that people should get their parents’ permission before watching.
Background on the project
This film has been in development for several years. Universal first announced the biopic back in 2022. Progress updates have come slowly since then. Snoop shared at CinemaCon that production was expected to begin this summer.
When the project was first announced, Universal chairman Donna Langley spoke about meeting with Snoop Dogg directly. She said the studio met with him shortly after he acquired Death Row Records and had the chance to hear his story in his own words.
How it fits into Universal’s track record
Universal has had strong success with music biopics in recent years. The studio’s Michael Jackson movie, “Michael,” passed $1 billion at the global box office. Its other music biopics have also performed well. The N.W.A biopic “Straight Outta Compton” grossed $201.6 million worldwide, and the Eminem film “8 Mile” made $242.8 million worldwide.
Interestingly, “Straight Outta Compton” already touched on Snoop Dogg’s early career. In that 2015 film, LaKeith Stanfield played a young Snoop Dogg, and the movie earned Universal over $200 million at the box office.
What comes next
Plot specifics for “Snoop” have not been shared yet. Plot details remain unconfirmed at this stage. Fans will likely learn more as the film moves closer to production and eventually into theaters next summer.
For now, the date is set. Moviegoers can expect “Snoop” in theaters on August 6, 2027, alongside a busy slate of summer competition.